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The Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers has unveiled an ambitious reform agenda following the inauguration of its 14th President and Chairman of Council, Dr. Fiona Ahimie, who also becomes the institute’s first female president.
Ahimie outlined a transformative strategy aimed at strengthening the institute’s influence within Nigeria’s financial ecosystem, expanding its national and regional footprint, enhancing recognition of its professional certifications, and establishing a ₦5 billion endowment fund to support the next generation of capital market professionals.
Also sworn in during the inauguration were Dr. Akeem Oyewale and Mr. Jude Chiemeka as First and Second Vice Presidents respectively, while outgoing President Mr. Oluropo Dada assumed the role of Immediate Past President.
A major highlight of Ahimie’s inaugural address was the proposed CIS Endowment Fund, designed to provide financial support to talented young professionals seeking careers in the securities and investment industry but lacking the resources to pursue relevant qualifications and training.
She pledged to build on the achievements of previous administrations while positioning the institute as a stronger force in capital market development and broader economic transformation.
Paying tribute to her predecessor, Ahimie described Dada as a visionary leader whose tenure strengthened collaboration among the institute’s leadership and elevated its industry standing.
According to her, the future relevance of the institute will depend not on past accomplishments but on the collective commitment to innovation, growth, and institutional transformation.
She emphasised the need to strengthen professional participation, broaden industry engagement, and deepen the institute’s influence across Nigeria and beyond.
Five-Point Reform Strategy
At the core of Ahimie’s leadership agenda is a five-point reform framework focused on deeper member engagement, wider recognition of CIS certifications, nationwide membership growth, regional expansion, and stronger financial sustainability.
Under the first pillar, the institute plans to launch a Member Engagement and Participation Initiative aimed at increasing the visibility of stockbrokers and investment professionals in policy discussions, industry forums, and key stakeholder engagements.
The initiative is expected to strengthen professional advocacy and improve collaboration across the financial services ecosystem.
Ahimie also announced plans to expand the institute’s presence beyond Lagos and Abuja by strengthening regional structures and establishing additional district societies across the country.
This expansion aligns with efforts to promote broader participation in the capital market and improve access to professional development opportunities nationwide.
The reform agenda also places emphasis on stronger governance, risk assessment, and institutional resilience through improved compliance management and operational efficiency.
As regulatory expectations across the financial sector continue to evolve, experts note that stronger regulatory compliance, internal controls, and Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) frameworks will be essential in supporting market integrity and investor confidence.
Industry Leaders Back New Leadership
The historic inauguration attracted prominent figures from government, the private sector, and the financial services industry, many of whom commended the institute’s commitment to gender inclusion and expressed confidence in Ahimie’s leadership.
Among dignitaries who delivered goodwill messages were Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Dr. Tope Fasua, Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs; Governor Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State; and Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.
Other notable attendees included Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development; Senator Osita Izunaso, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital Market and Institutions; Aisha Babangida, Chairperson of the Better Life Programme; and Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The event also drew leading figures from Nigeria’s capital market community, including Professor Ndi Okereke-Onyuike, former Director-General of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, and Mr. Sehinde Adenagbe, Chairman of the Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria.
Industry stakeholders believe Ahimie’s leadership marks a significant milestone for the institute and could accelerate reforms that strengthen professional standards, expand market participation, and enhance the role of capital markets in Nigeria’s long-term economic development.
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